Key industry drivers in the embedded technology sector

The ever-present demand for faster, cutting-edge electronic solutions
are driving the embedded technology sector to new heights as trends evolve in
both business and consumer use.

An embedded system is a combination of software and hardware
which together facilitate the accurate functioning of a target device.

The
significant characteristics of an embedded system which is either programmable
or fixed in capabilities are speed, power, size, accuracy, reliability and
adaptability.

Embedded systems can be defined as application-specific, special
purpose systems and they’re designed typically for meeting real-time
constraints. These systems are used across a diverse range of application areas
which include automotive, telecommunication, healthcare, industrial, consumer
electronics, military and aerospace among others.

James
McGrath, Redline’s Contract and Interim recruitment specialist takes a
closer look at some of the industry drivers in the embedded technology sector.

“The integration of an embedded microcontroller system in
any product stretches its abilities of communication and connection to multiple
networks and devices. Moreover, revolutionary semiconductor technology
innovations in microprocessors has expanded the system’s application in various
industries.

Key requirements for an efficient embedded system often include
low cost and a high degree of responsiveness and reliability. All
microprocessor systems perform the same essential functions, that is, data or
signal input, storage, processing and output.”

For example, the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is altering the dynamics of
the smartphone device market. It has opened up an excellent avenue for a
software system called embedded Java. Embedded sensors, image recognition, and
near field communication payment technologies are the IoT components which are
embedded in smartphone devices. Such application is vital for the adoption of
the integrated system in the coming years.

Along with technological change comes a higher demand for electronics jobs in embedded systems. These commonly fall into three
main areas: systems engineering/architecture; electronic hardware design and
software development during the product life cycle.

System analysis: Defining the
requirements of the system from the hardware perspective. This can be determining
the channels of communication required; choosing wireless or wired
and which specific bus/standard to use (WIFI, Bluetooth, ZigBee, CAN, SPI,
UART etc.)

System Design: Selecting the electronic
components which provide the required capabilities. For example: A
microcontroller that has the required amount of RAM, ROM, FLASH etc. and components
for a specialised task.

Design: The system has to be first
realised on paper (or a simulation). Then a hardware prototype has to be
prepared.

Test: Once the design is available
as a simulation or as a prototype, it has to be tested. Testing is in two
equally important parts: Verification and Validation. Verification is
deciding if the system does what is expected. Validation is deciding if
what the system does is correct.

Software Engineers are similar:

System analysis: Defining the
requirements of the embedded system from the software perspective. Determining
timing requirements of the software. It may also involve choosing the
language, tools and support software required e.g. C, C++, Python, Linux
etc.

System Design: A high level design
and low-level design is prepared. High level design defines the various
modules, their responsibilities and interactions. Low level design is an
overview of how to realise the requirements of each module.

Design: Which involves coding - the
low-level design is converted into embedded code.

Test: Once the initial code is
ready, it has to undergo testing. This is generally in four phases: Unit
test, function test, system test, integration test. Each phase takes a higher-level
abstraction view of the system. Even here verification and validation are
applicable.

Growth of the robotics market is expected to create a parallel
market for the embedded systems. Development of healthcare, smart automobile
applications, the rise of machine-to-machine communication and expanding the
role of signalling and electric control creates further opportunities.
Currently, the consumer electronics sector is experiencing transformational
growth which is attributed to the influence of trends such as mobility,
miniaturization, and digitisation.

The consumer electronics industry is one of the major
end-use sectors covering products such as smartphones, LED TVs, STB’s, home
appliances and media services

Automotive applications are projected to generate the
highest revenue with growing demand attributed to the increase for high
electronic content in the vehicles and hybrid/electric vehicles.

While some embedded systems can be relatively simple, the
future will see advances in supplant human decision-making or offer
capabilities beyond what a human could provide. For instance, some aviation
systems, including those used in drones, are able to integrate sensor data and
act upon that information faster than a human could, permitting new kinds of
operating features.

Redline are specialists in electronics
recruitment with a broad variety of clients in some of the fastest
moving industry segments including Automotive, Aerospace, Broadcast,
Communications, Consumer, Defence, Industrial Control, Medical and
Semiconductors. Click here to see our latest electronic
engineer jobs.

With so much change happening in the electronics industry,
now is the perfect time to take the next step in your career. Speak to Redline
today, we have over 35 years of technology recruitment experience. Discover your
future or send your CV to our team of talented recruiters today.